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Comment by adnam | Hacker News Reader

Errr, no there was a clear majority vote for leaving the EU.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Results_of_the_United_Kingdom_...

Not of the total electorate almost 30% did not vote passing major constitutional changes on such a small majority is counter to all custom and practice - A local Allotment society would not pass a rule change like this.

Turnout was amongst the highest for any vote in recent history.

What do you propose? Compulsory voting?

Many were genuinely undecided and made a conscious decision to abstain.

Not holding stupid, vague referendums with a mere 50% majority requirement, instead of a supermajority, that can trigger major, complex constitutional changes would be a start.

2/3 or 75% majority which Is the standard for major changes

What was the outcome of the vote to enter the EU?

67% in favour for the 1975 referendum.

That is fine if there is a stable status quo.

The Brexit referendum would have had a huge impact either way.

A Remain vote would have weakened the UK government's position and emboldened the EU as it seeks to form an ever closer union of its member states.

The 1979 Scottish Devolution referendum (also 52:48 in favour) was not passed because Yes failed to meet a threshold of 40% of the electorate.

With 72% turnout. I'm highlighting how stupid the idea that this is the will of the people is in reality.

A higher turnout than the referendum in 1975 (64.62%) to stay in... Does that mean it was never the will of people to be in (then) EC at all?

Of course it was the will of the people. Those who didn't bother to cast their vote didn't get a say.

The rest of the people knew about this vote and they didn't care enough to vote. What are we supposed to do about that? Should we force everybody to vote?

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